Michael Agbolade Otedola: Remembering the First Nigerian Governor with a Female Deputy
Femi Otedola has been in the news frequently lately, but he has not indicated any interest in joining mainstream politics like his late father, Michael Agbolade Otedola, who was a trailblazer in the Nigerian political space.
There have been misconceptions lately about the first Nigerian governor to appoint a female deputy. While some claim it was the former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, others argue it was the embattled former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
However, the late Michael Agbolade Otedola was indeed the first Nigerian governor to appoint a female deputy governor.
It is understandable why many people may not be aware of this fact.
The late ex-Lagos State Governor Michael Otedola and his deputy, Mrs. Sinatu Ojikutu, were elected under the National Republican Convention (NRC).
However, their government was truncated by the military takeover on November 17, 1993, less than a year after they assumed office on January 2, 1992.
Early Life
Michael Agbolade Otedola was born into a Muslim family on July 16, 1926, at Odoragunsin, Epe Local Government Area in Lagos State.
He was a prolific writer and journalist. To pursue a career in journalism, Otedola won a scholarship to study at the renowned Regent Street Polytechnic in London, where he graduated with commendable honors in 1958.
Upon his return to Nigeria, he worked as a teacher in one of the country’s reputable schools before returning to journalism.
He worked as a reporter at the St. Pancras Chronicle before joining The Guardian and The Times in England as a reporter and later as a sub-editor.
As a journalist, Otedola had numerous publications that addressed social ills in Nigeria and England, where he practiced.
Political Career
In 1959, Otedola returned to Nigeria and became the Information Officer in the Western Nigeria government. While in this position, the management of Western Nigeria Illustrated appointed him as the Editor.
Between 1961 and 1964, he worked in the public relations department of the Western Nigeria Television/Western Broadcasting Service. He also worked in the Mobil Oil Group of Companies between 1964 and 1977. After leaving, the Nigerian giant oil company continued to consult him.
Otedola joined politics during the civil rule and was elected governor of Lagos State under the National Republican Convention (NRC). However, he and his deputy, Mrs. Sinatu Ojikutu, could not complete their constitutional four-year term in office due to the military government of the late General Sani Abacha truncating their administration.
Despite this, they achieved notable milestones, including facilitating the establishment of the Yaba College of Technology campus in Epe, Otedola’s hometown.
Life after politics
After leaving office, Otedola showed little interest in politics and returned to his writing career. He served as a consultant to many companies and was appointed to various positions on the boards of organizations.
In February 2010, THISDAY newspaper reported that he was one of the 15 remarkable Nigerians who had received Lifetime Achievement Awards. On May 5, 2014, four years after THISDAY’s report, Mr. Michael Otedola passed away at his residence in Epe, Lagos.
